Saka and Bayushi Hikoko provoked a conflict [2] with the Lion. [3] The Scorpion had attacked an Imperialambassadorship caravan [4] near a Crane village, and the assailants had planted a dagger [5] with the Matsu mon. [6] Saka considered Akodo Dosei a straight-laced buffoon who had no inkling what was really going on there. By the time he realized it, it would all be over. [7]Matsu Fumiyo considered a blasphemy that a Lion's blade was found at the scene of a crime. [8] The Dragon revealed the truth, however, and the Scorpion were exposed. [9] A Lion army was given an opportunity to avenge a debt of honor. [10] The Phoenix meddled to stop the fight among both clans, [11] as well as the Dragon. [12] It was a dispute between two clans, with two more involved in a misguided attempt to mediate. [13] Disagreements between the clans caused great chaos and discord, but the situation ultimately benefited the Imperial families in one way or another, [14] and they had permitted the war to begin, as they provided the Scorpion the planted item. [15]